specialist rank Archives — The NCO Guide

Reflections and Discussion about the US Army Specialist 8/9 Ranks

May 16, 2020May 17, 2020 Dan Elder

In response to an email request to Daniel K. Elder about the belief that enlisted men did, in fact, wear Spec. 8 rank at one time. Dear I am of the opinion that the Army never promoted soldiers to the rank of Specialist 8 or Specialist 9. First, I must mention that I suspect the letter signed by “Mark... Read More

Short History of the Specialist Rank

June 16, 2016January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

When considering the discussion for reintroducing of senior specialist ranks to the US Army one must reflect on the trials and tribulations of the past. Here is a short history of the US Army Specialist by CSM (Ret.) Dan Elder. The Specialist Rank When Washington assumed the role as Commander in Chief of the fledgling Continental Army in 1775, it... Read More

Epi #12, Why the Specialist Rank doesn’t Work

March 22, 2015January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

Why the Specialist Rank doesn’t Work This episode I talk about providing customized advice via podcasts and explain how the Specialist ranks came to their ultimate demise, and why it was not good for the Army. IMHO, now is not a better time to bring them back, either. I introduce two new segments, This year in NCO History where I... Read More

Bring back the Specialist Rank?

March 12, 2015January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

The Specialist Rank I was recently browsing through a 1-year old topic that is trending again on a military forum that I belong to where a member posted the oft asked (and usually not researched by the OP) question “Why doesn’t the Army bring back the ranks of specialist again?” Like they often do the writer emphasizes the divergence of technical versus leadership, and reminds... Read More